Need More Time to Complete CE to Renew? Here’s What to Do

Sales agents (except in their first renewal period) and brokers may pay a nonrefundable $200 fee to remain in active status for another 60 days beyond their expiration date to complete their required continuing education.

There is a new process to opt in to obtaining an extension, also known as a CE deferral. To start, verify what education TREC has on file for you by searching your name or license number in the License Holder Search. If you do not have enough hours to renew your license by your expiration date, you may want to opt in and pay for the 60-day CE deadline extension.

How to Obtain a CE Deadline Extension: CE Deferral Steps

• Log in to the REALM Portal and begin your renewal application.
• If you qualify for a CE deadline extension, this question will be part of your renewal: Have you completed your CE hours for renewal? If you need the extra time to complete CE and want to pay the $200 fee, select No.
• After selecting No, a second question will appear: Would you like to pay for a CE deadline extension (CE deferral fee)? Select Yes to proceed.
  • If you select No, you will not have another opportunity to obtain a CE deadline extension (CE deferral).
• Complete your renewal and pay the nonrefundable fee.

Is a CE deadline extension different than the CE deferral TREC previously offered?

No. Referring to it as a CE deadline extension is to help people who may not have used the CE deferral process better understand its intent.

What day does the 60-day extension start?

The 60-day extension starts on your license expiration date, regardless of when you submit your renewal and pay the deferral fee.

What if I am not sure whether I need more time?

If you are undecided, you may wait until closer to your expiration date to submit your renewal so you have some time to see whether you can complete all the required CE. Do not wait until after your expiration date to renew or to pay for a CE deferral.

Your only chance to pay for a CE deadline extension is during the renewal process prior to submitting, so you will not be able to pay for it after you've submitted your renewal.

If I finish my CE before my expiration date, can I get a refund?

No. This is a nonrefundable fee. See "What if I am not sure whether I need more time?" for information on deciding whether to pay the fee.

What happens if I don't finish my CE in the next 60 days?

Your license will be set to inactive status, and any sponsorship relationships you have will be terminated. You may not perform brokerage activities with an inactive license. Doing so can lead to disciplinary action.

Brokers, This is Important

If you go inactive, all sales agents you sponsor will go inactive. Any business entity broker licenses you are the designated broker for will also go inactive, and any sales agents sponsored by those licenses will be set to inactive status.

Can sales agents in their first renewal period pay for a CE deadline extension?

No. Sales agents completing SAE for their first renewal period cannot defer their CE deadline requirements.

How will TREC know if I finish my CE in time?

Your education provider reports your CE credit directly to TREC. Check the License Holder Search if you are wondering whether your education credit has been posted.

You will receive an email when all of your education is complete, and you will remain in active status if you have completed it within the extension deadline.